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couchPOTATOPRESSA publication of Greyhound Pets of America-Wisconsin

www.gpawisconsin.org fall 2015 I couch potato press 1

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upcoming

fall 2015

THE Volunteer Thank-you PicnicTBD

Gala Donation Item Drop-offsSeptember 12: 12-2 p.m.,

Oconomowoc Meet and Greet

September 16: 6:30-8 p.m., Brookfield Kopp’s

September 24: 6:30-8 p.m., Southridge Kopp’s

September 27: 6:30-8 p.m., Bayshore Kopp’s

September 30: 6-7 p.m., Greyhound Walk at Voyager Park, DePere

Winnebego Pet ExpoOctober 3 I Oshkosh

21st Annual Gala Greyhound Gathering

October 17 I Waukesha

It’s Time for Gala!The wait is nearly over—GPA-WI’s 21st Annual Greyhound Gala is mere weeks away! Be sure to join hundreds of other greyhounds and greyhound lovers on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Waukesha County Expo Center in Waukesha.

Gala is a fantastic day for ‘hounds and humans alike. The event kicks off with a group roo, which is a sound like no other. Throughout the day, attendees with and without tails participate in games, shopping, a silent auction and a fashion show, as well as socialize with other like-minded greyhound folk.

Don’t have a greyhound yet? Come on out! Adoptable dogs will be on hand for meeting and greeting—not to mention to distribute test snuggles—and adoption representatives will be available to answer questions.

Don’t forget—GPA-WI is able to accept most major credit cards for our retail items, raffle tickets and silent and live auction items! What better way to rack up those rewards points than on stylish new GPA-WI gear and super auction prizes? We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

We are accepting donations of resale, live and silent auction items and bag raffle items at this time, as well as signing up volunteers! Items may be dropped off at upcoming GPA-WI gatherings or given

directly to any GPA-WI board member.

New this year, we are adding Memory Baskets to our Silent Auction! Making a Memory Basket is your opportunity to share your loving memories of a very special ‘hound with everyone attending the Gala.

This is a touching way to share a greyhound that has been a part of your life with other ‘hound lovers. What would you say about your heart greyhound? How would you tell others about how that greyhound changed your life and how much you loved him or her? Jot down some notes. Find a greyt photo. Put a basket together that represents your greyhound. The Memory Basket can be anything you want it to be. Please include a short biography of your extraordinary greyhound and don’t forget to include a photo! You can also create a Memory Basket in memory of a ‘hound lover in your life.

Enclosed are raffle tickets. Please consider purchasing one, two or twenty and getting your friends to do the same. The hounds thank you! Money and tickets can be turned in to any board member at GPA-WI events leading up to Gala, as well as the day of the event. Tickets will also be for sale onsite at Gala—don’t forget to bring your address labels to save time and hand cramps!

We will be using VolunteerSpot to

October 17, 2015 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha

sign up volunteers. VolunteerSpot is an online portal that allows organizations and their volunteers to easily connect with each other. Be sure to check our website, www.gpawisconsin.org, and our Facebook page for information on how to access the Gala sign-up website.

We can’t wait to see everyone on October 17!

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GPA-WI Leadership

GALA

Scheduled Events11:00 a.m. ..........................Blessing of the hounds

11:10 a.m. ..............................................Group Roo!

11:30 a.m. .......................................Fashion Show

12:00 p.m. ....................First set of bag raffles ends

1:05 p.m. .............................................Live Auction

2:00 p.m. ..............Second set of bag raffles ends

2:30 p.m. .....Costume contest and contest winners

3:00 p.m. ..........................................Silent Auction, Memory Baskets Auction ends

3:30 p.m. ........Big Cash raffle winner accounced

3:45 p.m. .....Third and final set of bag raffles ends

Everything

All-day ActivitiesGPA-WI Foster Home/Meet-and-Greet Booth: Located in the upstairs mezzanine, meet some ‘hounds and ask volunteers your greyhound adoption questions.

Blue Fund Bandanas: Raising funds to assist medical or special needs dogs.

Radar Run: Clock your dog’s running speed! (Weather permitting)

Food Vendor

Greyhound Games: Runs 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Prizes awarded to dogs with the longest tail, the tallest hound, the shortest hound, the oldest greyhound, and more.

Nail Trims and Teeth Brushing: Located at the back loading dock. $10/dog.

What’s happening at the GPA-WI event of the year!

Long Neck Deco

Pet Diffuser Pendants

Candy’s Collars

Lady Eos

Crown Collars

Crazy Collars and More

Garden Greyhounds

Madison David Photography

Greyt Glass

Midwest Greyhound Adoption

Petlicious Dog Bakery

Voyager K-9 Apparel

Gala Vendors

GPA-WI Events

October 17, 2015 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha

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GPA-WI Events

The Seventh Annual Golfing for Greyhounds was a huge success! The 89 golfers enjoyed beautiful weather at Door Creek Golf Course while they golfed and played other fun games. Twenty-one people and businesses

sponsored golf holes, and dozens of volunteers brought their beautiful greyhounds out to serve as breed ambassadors and adoption advocates. After golf, lunch was served in the clubhouse, and many donated prizes were awarded, silent auction items bid on, and GPA retail items were purchased. All told, this year’s Golfing for Greyhounds raised $8,200 for GPA-WI’s mission of rehoming retired racing greyhounds. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, talents, and donations to make this a really fun and successful day!

Golfing for Greyhounds Raises Funds, Awareness

Cash and In-kind Donors• Joyce Wells• Paul White• Paulus Printing• Gladys Smith• Madison David Photography• Zimbrick European• Lynelle and Paul Reak• Malt House — Bill Rogers

Silent Auction/Prize Donors• Ale Asylum Brewery• Malt House — Bill Rogers• Salon Rue Cler — H. Jennings• Woodman’s Markets• TASC• Steve Schiferl• Stephanie Vierling• Kay Fleming• Clay Mehnert• Glass Nickel Pizza• Travis Hasse• Captain’s Walk Winery• Cheryl Millard• Tricor

• Wendy Hecht & Gar Zibrowski• Von Rutenberg Ventures• Steve Schmitt — The Shoe Box• The Voyagers Jewelry Design• Menards• Central Bark Doggie Daycare• Willey Street Co-op• S. Winkler & M. O’Donahue• Texas Roadhouse• Candy’s Collars — Mary Koenig• Michele Johnson• Capital Brewery• Kneaded Relief• HyVee Food Stores• Alexa Butzbaugh• Massage Envy• R. McVicar / L. Losenegger• Rick & Jeanie Meier• Katie & Mike Plae• Carrie & Mat Nehls• Julie & Mark Nickel• Jessie Clark• Debby Brannon• Potosi Brewing Company• Paul & Kathy Harrison

Thank You$500 Sponsors

• Healthy Pet Veterinary Clinic (Dr.

Carla Christman)

• Good Parts LLC (Paul & Lynelle

Reak)

• Tali Greyhounds (Erik & Penny

Wick)

• Ryan Funeral Homes (Roman Ryan)

• Modern Woodmen of America

(Larry Marlette)

$250 Sponsors

• Capital Water Softener, Inc (Erik &

Kurt Wick)

• Squirmy and Codfish LLC (Bob

Cohen)

$100 sponsors

• In Memory of Our Beloved Missy

(The Dubes)

• Travis Hasse Distilling Co.

• In Loving Memory of Jenny the

Greyhound (Alesia Bock and

Heather Fries)

• VanLeirsburg/Marciniec Fur Kids

(Peggy Marciniec)

• The Fischers (Leslie and John

Fischer)

• Ruffin’ It Resort

• Madison David Photography (David

Baux)

• Larry and Pam Williamson

• Ameritas (Jeremy Earp)

• Gar Zibrowski and Wendy Hecht

• Mounds Pet Food Warehouse

• In Memory of Our Special Girl Echo

(Jim & Carol Schmirler)

• Peytown Blue and Emerald

Kathleen (Joyce Wells)

• Great Dane Pub & Brewery

Thank you to all our golfers, sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make this outing a great success!

GPA-WI Leadership

your emergency vet readily available.

This July, Lauren Hubbard of Waunakee and her greyhound Bernie were attacked by a dog that slipped its collar while on a walk. Her phone’s contact list was essential during her emergency situation.

“The very first call I made was to my vet,” Lauren said. “And the next was the emergency vet. I had both of these numbers already saved in my phone.”

“Although I wish I would never need the e-vet on speed-dial, I’m so glad I had the number saved!” she added.

If an attack does occur, it is important to report the incident to the proper authorities. Be sure to get the dog owner’s information so you can make a complete and accurate report. Dog owners have a “duty of care” obligation to ensure their dogs won’t injure another

person or damage personal property. (Although our dogs are beloved family members, under the law they are considered personal property.)

Injuries and property damage caused by dogs is normally covered under the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Take photographs or a video of your dog’s injuries (and your own, if you were bitten,) to serve as visual confirmation for the insurance company and law enforcement. You should also make copies of medical and veterinary bills, along with receipts for any medications prescribed as a result of the attack.

Of course, the best option is to prevent an attack in the first place. If owners who let their dogs run loose along your walking route are uncooperative, the safest course is to alter your path and avoid the potential for disaster.

Have you ever wondered what you’d do if you’re walking your hound and she’s attacked by another dog? This frightening scenario can result in serious injury and anguish, so we’d like to share some tips to help prevent or minimize the damage.

One way to stop another dog from approaching is to hold up your hand in the stop position and yell, “NO!” Some experts recommend carrying a walking stick, heavy flashlight, backpack or bookbag to use as a barrier. You can also carry a quick release umbrella, which when ejected will startle the dog and act as a shield. Pepper spray, lemon juice, or citronella-based animal deterrents like Spray Shield may also ward off an attack. You can also use an air horn, but this is likely to scare the wits out of your own dog as well as the aggressor!

Unfortunately, if a dog attack does occur and your dog is in need of emergency care, it’s vital to have contact information for

Safety News

When Dogs Attack by Terri Presper

Dear Freddy, We have a mean dog on our block, and he likes to cause trouble whenever we walk by. He’s behind a fence, but he’s still loud and a jerk. My human seems to walk me less often

Freddy’s View from the CouchWhen you’re in the yard, make that time count—play fetch, honk a squeaker, or chase your human. Just sending you out into the yard on your own doesn’t mean you’re getting exercise or using your brain.

If you don’t have a yard, or if weather keeps you indoors, your human should play brain teaser games with you, such as giving part of all of a meal in a food-dispensing toy and playing training games.

Providing appropriate chew toys will also help you release your natural urge to chew, which keeps your teeth clean and jaw strong, as well as relieves stress. Hopefully, these activities will supplement your free time and help you relax.—Sincerely, Freddy

because of it. I do have a yard, but it’s not the same as using my brain to see the world and spending quality bonding time with my two-legger. How can my human get me a little extra mental and physical stimulation?—Sincerely, Bored in Burlington

Dear Bored,I’ve seen this before: the neighborhood bully chases you and your human inside, and pretty soon, you’re chewing the carpet to relieve stress. Most dogs benefit both mentally and physically from a 30-minute walk (or two 15-minute walks) each day, depending on age and health. If your neighborhood isn’t conducive to long walks, or if the weather is lousy, that’s not always possible. Here are some additional exercise options for doggy brains and bods:

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What’s Happening

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Volunteer SpotlightLeslie Fischer and Joanna Schrader spend a couple of hours a month doing meet and greets at the PetSmart store in Brookfield, WI. They bring their dogs along as ambassadors for the breed and help educate others about greyhound adoption. They say it’s a wonderful opportunity to promote the breed and dispel certain myths, such as greyhounds being high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise. One particular family came to their meet-and-greet location for a year before they adopted their hound!

Leslie and Joanna highly recommend that other greyhound owners give meet and greets a try. It’s an easy way to get involved with the GPA-WI family and help widen the range of potential adopters. It’s also a fun way for your hound to interact with people and other dogs (and maybe tire him out so he sleeps the rest of the day!). If you’re a greyhound owner, you already have everything you need to do a meet and greet–or even start up a location of your own! For more information on helping the hounds through volunteering, contact Kay (kfleming4897@live.com).

Ari Bennett Duke Blackburn-Kittel Herbie CampbellEubie ClewellArchie Cunningham-Gohr Spirit DeBruin Sophie Hanson Angel Harrison Star Hecht-Zibrowski Daisy Kaletka Frasier Kwitek-Nawatril Pharoh LaRosa Essie MacMillan Ace Martinelli Magic Markley-Padmanabhan Barkley McArthur-PotvinGypsy MillsFinnegan Rader-WilsonChristmas Raimonde

Showpiece SchwandtTeddi WilliamsKayla Wilson

Pippin Babis Darby Bania-Feavel Kazak Bascom-Kuzdas Patsy BauerShocker Bentti Berserk BjorgeTopaz Calabria Dexter Churchill Roy Cianci Buck Cooney Star Dalebroux Toots Dobbins Feil DrzewieckiNala Ekhande Joey FolzLambeau Forsythe Rider Girkins Hudson Guldberg Aerial Halverson-LockwoodHero Hecht-Zibrowski

Darius Herr Henri MacLean Gabby ManionVirgil Mau Scotty MottlOllie O’MalleyGrette PetrieLexi RasmussenFreddie Rubio Sandy Rutter Tia Sarles Rainy Scheid Bishop ShannonDolan Suckow Robin SmithGJ Thompson-LuebbertGus Thompson-StrennenMaverick UngerDutch Van Der VeenRanger Vieregge

In memory of ... New adoptions

Memorials & adoptions

Foster Homes playing a role in these adoptions: Aberle, Baldwin, Bartow, Bauer, Block, Chase, Folz, Geiser-Angelos, Haney, Hecht-Zibrowski, Heimsch, Herrick ,King-Driscoll, Lemke, May-Kozuk, Milbauer, Nimtz, Patton, Phenis, Rasmussen, Resan, Ross-Eikamp, Schied, Schultz, Sliwinski, Smoko, Stone and Wisniewski.

GPA-WisconsinPost Office Box 2115Madison, WI 53701-2115

- Medicare Supplement- Medicare Advantage- Prescription Drug Plans

- Short-term Convalescent Care- Dental Insurance- Long-term Care- Life Insurance

SHAY STUHROffice: 262-522-4662 Cell: 414-731-1931 email: sstuhr@aris-secure.com

couchPOTATOPRESS

The Couch Potato Press is a quarterly publication of Greyhound Pets of America-Wisconsin, a non-profit organization dedicated to placing ex-racing greyhounds in loving homes as pets. Please direct any correspondence, address changes or donations to:

GPA-Wisconsin P.O. Box 2115 Madison, WI 53701

www.gpawisconsin.org

The Couch Potato Press goes to all GPA-WI adopters and others who wish to be on our mailing list. Please inform us of any changes or updates to your name, address, email addresses or phone numbers. Cell or other phone numbers are helpful when tracking down the owner of a found greyhound, so please share any and all numbers that might aid us in that situation.

You can also let us know about the passing of a beloved hound so we may remember him or her in the newsletters and in our records. Send all information updates to: records@gpawisconsin.org.

PERMIT NO. 3242